However many homeowners are disappointed to discover that solid wood flooring cannot be installed on a concrete slab.
How to install wood flooring on concrete.
If you love solid wood floors and your home rests on a concrete slab you re not out of luck.
You can attach it directly to the concrete or install a subfloor first and then attach the floor to that.
Another method is to install a floating plywood subfloor consisting of two layers of 3 8 1 2 or 5 8 inch plywood attached together with short fasteners that won t penetrate the concrete.
Here are the basics of how to install floating hardwood floors over concrete.
With dry concrete and the right subfloors and vapor retarders solid hardwood floors can be installed on slabs that are either on grade at ground level or above grade above ground level.
Stack flooring log cabin style or just spread it around the room but not directly on concrete.
Follow these steps with care to safely complete the installation yourself.
Laminate flooring is a good alternative to wood flooring in basements.
Only spread enough for a few rows at a time.
Most engineered flooring can be installed using staples full spread adhesive or a floating method over an approved subfloor.
Wood floor over concrete details lay a plastic moisture barrier and then screw 3 4 in.
Most 3 4 inch solid hardwood flooring can be installed using nails or staples over an approved subfloor.
You can nail a plywood subfloor to the concrete with powder actuated fasteners but that method isn t recommended for floors with radiant heating elements.
Apply adhesive and flooring always read manufacturer s instructions when applying the adhesive.
How to install hardwood over concrete 3 methods.
Most people can install this type of hardwood flooring as long as they are willing to do a little bit of work.
Using a v notch trowel apply the adhesive to floor in small sections.
Whether you re planning on renting out your home or looking to increase its value using concrete as a base is a great idea.
The hard way nails or screws.
Laminate flooring is also fairly easy to install.
Plywood to the concrete.
Floating wood flooring can provide you with a simple installation and a beautiful floor at the same time.
There are three ways to lay a floor over concrete.
The most straightforward method is not to attach it but float the floor on top.
Many types of flooring can be installed over a concrete sub floor.